Maccarinelli steps up

Enzo Maccarinelli will fight on Saturday night's card at the Excel Arena in London after all - but at heavyweight.

The Welshman will now take on Matthew Ellis over 10 rounds after stepping up from cruiserweight.

Maccarinelli had been due to challenge Francisco Alvarez for the vacant WBO belt at the lower weight but the Puerto Rican on Friday failed a medical because of high blood pressure.

Alvarez was the third opponent to have been lined up for the fight with Johnathon Banks and Herbie Hide previously pulling out.

Maccarinelli said: "When I get in that ring I'm going to be an angry man throwing bombs.

"These things happen in boxing. It's been a bad year but I can end it on a high by smashing up a good heavyweight and then look forward to fighting for the WBO world cruiserweight title next year."

Maccarinelli lost the WBO belt in March when he was obliterated by domestic rival David Haye, who then relinquished the cruiserweight titles to move up to heavyweight.

The 28-year-old acknowledged the lack of preparation for his heavyweight debut makes the decision a risky one.

"First I've got to deal with Ellis, and given the weight I'm going to be giving away it's a dangerous fight," he continued.

"To be honest, though, I'd have fought King Kong on Saturday night if it meant stepping back between the ropes. I've been champing at the bit since the Haye fight, and Ellis is going to get it big style."